1970 Holden LC Torana GTR XU-1 2 Door Sedan

Description

Introduced in October 1969, the LC Torana was a substantial revision of the previous HB model; much more than just a rebadged Vauxhall Viva, the Torana was now designed for the Australian market, offering both four and six-cylinder engines in either two or four-door body styles. The LC was awarded Wheels magazine's coveted Car of the Year prize for 1969 and became the best selling car in its class. Of more interest to performance car enthusiasts, Holden replaced the Monaro with the Torana as their principal weapon for the 1970 racing season and to homologate many of the changes needed the XU-1 was born. Announced in June 1970, the XU-1 had a fire-breathing 186-cid version of the straight six with revised camshaft, larger valves and triple Stromberg carbies to give 160bhp in production form, along with a bigger fuel tank, four-speed gearbox and uprated brakes and suspension. Other features included a 3:36 diff (3.08:1 was optional), two-inch exhaust, front and rear spoilers and unique graphics. Under the direction of Holden Dealer Team boss Harry Firth, the XU-1 enjoyed great success on the track against the bigger Falcons and Chargers, proving more nimble through the corners and easier on brakes. In road going form the XU-1 could do the quarter-mile sprint in a tick over 16 seconds on the way to a top speed of 115 mph. Holden continued with the XU-1 theme with the LC's successor, the LJ, and surviving examples are sought after by collectors across Australia. In total just 1117 LC XU-1 Toranas were made, with an initial group of 19 promotional vehicles followed by two batches of production cars, the first in late 1970 and the second built in the first half of 1971.